May 26

PART III.—Acts 17:7.

THE essential attributes of Jesus, such as his almighty power, unbounded wisdom, and eternal immutability, present him before us in all his unrivalled dignity and greatness. Let us now notice the moral features of his kingly rule and authority. First of all we must consider him as a righteous and equitable king. He is the holy and just one. He reigns not as a usurper, his dominions is not based on iniquity, but in eternal righteousness and truth. His name is the "Lord our righteousness." "A

R sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of his kingdom." "Righteousness is the girdle of his loins." He is a bountiful and benevolent king. His goodness is associated with all his acts, and all his engagements, — his goodness is over all his works. He reigns to diffuse his goodness,—

"Blessings abound where'er he reigns,

The pris'ner leaps to lose his chains,

The weary find eternal rest,

And all the sons of want are blest."

He is also a gracious and merciful king. Grace is poured into his lips,—he is full of grace and truth, —the sceptre he sways is a sceptre of mercy, — he delighteth in mercy, — his mercy extends to his greatest enemies. It abounded to Saul of Tarsus as a pattern, or example of what it could effect, and to whom it could extend. Those whom we should have supposed, had totally excluded themselves, from the possibility of his favour, were the first to whom the gospel message of mercy and grace was sent. Remission of sins was to be preached to all nations, but first of all, "beginning at Jerusalem." The throne he now occupies is one of grace, to which the vilest may have access by repentance and faith, and obtain mercy and grace to help them in time of need. Let the children of Zion be joyful in their king. Let the sinner be exhorted to "kiss the Son lest he be angry, and he perish from the war when his anger is kindled but a little." (Psalms 2:11.) The Lord reigneth let the earth rejoice, and let the inhabitants thereof be glad.